For the first time, I type these words on my review before the first kick of the game. Just to get it off my chest: even if we lose, I'll still love my Arse. They've gone through a shit period, and I may love Wenger a lot less, if at all, but I still love my Arse. But it's scary, we lose, and Manciti win their two games in hand, and we'll fall behind them. Geez. If ever there's anything to scare the bejeezus out of you. But on to kick off...
Okay. This is now real time, and a real review. We got our 3 points. Chelski lost, Man U struggled to get their one point, and Wolves did the deed on Spurs. How nice. I won't say we're back in the title race, but let's just say that we've kept it at least interesting for the next couple of weeks, and given us some breathing space over 4th place.
As for the game itself. An utterly forgettable, incredibly pathetic, shockingly inept first half performance. If it were not for Pool's own retardedness, I'd have torn my hear off in the shower at half time. I supppose this is what happens to a team that had its pride torn to shreds and buggered over the course of two pathetic capitulations in a week.
What there was plenty of: stray passes, lazy runs.
What there was little of: passion, belief and confidence.
I suppose what was most shocking throughout the 90 minutes was Cesc's performance. This was the time for a Captain to stand up and lead by example, and unfortunately, I could say that together with Arshavin, Cesc was the worst performer on the night. I'm not sure he had even one telling pass to show for. It was all rather sad. But lo and behold, who would be the fiture to stand up and lead by example? Mohawk Billy himself. His tackle on an Ngog straight on goal capped a solid performance all round. I should also note that Bent Nick made a fine account of himself, and unlike a few others, put in a good effort, and put himself about.
Much as the first half sucked, we at least put together a string of passes in the second. No surprise then that our goal involved three of our better performers on the night: Bent Nick, Rosicky (notwithstanding an inconceivably horrific fumble while straight on goal) and Diaby. Enough of that tippy-tappy in front of goal. This was a nice, straight forward cross and header.
All in all, we played crap, Pool were worse and we got our three points. Hopefully, this will be the start of a good confidence-building run. We've got a bit of a rest till Porto, and after that in the league we have Sunderland at home, Stoke away (oops, watch this one!) and Burnley at home. Let's keep it easy, shall we? The other front-runners will have their fair share of tricky ties, so the least we should do is pick up the "easier" 3 points and go from there.
Player ratings:
Almunia 6.5 - Had little to do, save a few punches, and a finger-tip save from Ngog. At last, a clean sheet when it matters.
Eboue 6.5 - Does what Eboue does best. Run, show some effort, even if every now and then, his final ball falls short. But he did well enough both in defence and later in midfield when Sagna came on.
Vermaelen 6.5 - Not his best, but showed some drive at least.
Gallas 7.5 - Thank god for a strong performance in defence. Should've done better from a set piece header early in the first half though. For lack of a captain's performance, stepped in and did it right.
Clichy 6 - Still shaky. If not for Gibbs' being crocked for the next 8 years, he'd surely be on the bench.
Diaby 7 - At times, particularly in defence, showed what his tippy-tappy can do when it works. Great header too.
Song 6.5 - Not bad. Helped keep some defensive shape, but had a few dodgy moments with clumsy tackles.
Cesc 5 - Absent. He was not our captain last night.
Nasri 6.5 - For the short time that he was on, put himself about too. Let's hope his concussion isn't as bad as it sounds.
[Rosicky 6.5 - Ah, but for that ugly miss...]
Arshavin 4 - He's been off it, and looks to need a rest quite badly. But then again, we've got nobody better, right boss?
Bent Nick 6.5 - An encouraging 80-odd minutes. Looks like he's shaping up fine for a return to form.
Final note on Walcott. There was one moment in the 90th minute or something when he found himself alone at the corner flag with a couple of Pool players around him. Had time to spare, and the opportunity to keep the ball in the corner and kill some time, or at least try to win a corner. But what does he do? Whips a mindless ball into the box with nobody there. Of course, the boss goes ballistic as Pool set off on another attack. If that is not a sign of someone totally lacking in confidence, I don't know what is. Totally unacceptable. Poor poor boy.
All in all, a much-needed respite. Let's rest up (esp. Arsh), and let's take care of Porto.
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